Queen B’s Decree: One of my reading goals this year is to read more diverse reads, including: sapphic, nonbinary, written by BIPOC, etc. The One True Me and You was a great addition to that goal.
TOTMaY stars Teagan, our “very lesbian” pageant queen competing for a $25,000 scholarship and Kay, our “might be nonbinary” fanfic author. Both are attending events at the same hotel, and the two run into each other (literally!) when Teagan sneaks into the fandom/GreatCon’s events. Sparks fly and soon after the two do their best to maximize their short time together.
I have a few criticisms of TOTMaY. Nearly all the Con’s attendees have name tags and go by their Tumblr names, and I just can’t relate to this. You consider some of these people your best friends, and yet they are never called by their real names the entire book? Maybe it’s just because I am Old™ but I can’t relate. And while I have read quite a bit of fanfiction, the fact that TOTMaY is about Sherlock fanfiction makes the entire story feel so dated.
What I did love was the inclusion of Kay’s gender struggle. I loved that they were so curious about what fit them, both gender and sexuality, and that they didn’t feel restricted to fit inside a single box.
I struggled with connecting with either Teagan or Kay, as I thought they both made some bad decisions and honestly needed to dole out some major apologies. Instead, Kay’s and Teagan’s friends were the true MVP of the story—so supportive of everyone.
I think this one is best read by actual Young Adult readers, but the message it sends is worthwhile to everyone.
Book: The One True Me and You by Remi K. England
Series: standalone
Genre: Young Adult/YA
Hotness: essentially no salsa
Plot Devices/Tropes: lgbtq, nonbinary